Of Dreams Eternal (Band Version)

Symphonic Band / Advanced
[2(+1),2,3+1,1,SSAB-2(+2),3,2,1, 3 perc(+piano), tymp]

Just as Mr. Reck was putting the final touches on his composition, he received word of an accident that had claimed the life of a friend. With the addition of a second dedication and very little modification to the existing music, the overture became musical tribute to the life of Douglas Jeffries, who had recently been graduated in 2003 from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute, Indiana, where he was a student of computer engineering and a dedicated musician.

The work is a composition in modern style, using syncopation, uneven meters, and numerous key changes. Starting with fanfares in D Major for the brass, Of Dreams Eternal builds into a thick tapestry of sound before breaking into the upbeat primary melodic theme.

In the secondary theme sections, there are brief features for the first trombone, clarinets, and oboes in an antiphonal melody. There are multiple developments on both the primary and secondary themes before Of Dreams Eternal finishes in a driving conclusion which includes the opening notes the Rose-Hulman fight song – a salute to the late Mr. Jeffries and his alma mater.

Orcenith Smith, conductor of the DePauw University Symphony Orchestra, says, “Of Dreams Eternal is a musical tribute that is noble, energetic, and uplifting.”

"Celebrating the life of my friend, an Engineer by alma mater and a Tiger by heart, Douglas Jeffries, 1981-2004."

Advanced Difficulty

Minimum Instrumentation Required

• 2 flutes (and optional piccolo)
• 2 oboes
• 3 Bb clarinets
• 1 bass clarinet
• 1 bassoon
• 2 alto saxophones
• 1 tenor saxophone
• 1 bari saxophone
• 3 trumpets
• 2-4 F horns
• 2 trombones
• 1 tuba
• 4 timpani
• 3 percussionists
  • part 1: 2 muted toms, snare drum
  • part 2: suspended cymbal, bass drum
  • part 3: crash cymbals, wind chimes, tambourine, bell tree
• piano (can be omitted, but not preferable)

Digital Media Available

• Listen to the orchestra version: (7:02)
• This work has not yet been professionally recorded. If your ensemble would like to feature this work on your next professional recording and allow us to use that recording here, forzandoArts will refund the cost of your electronic license and waive royalty fees for the recording. For details, please drop a note to This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
• This digital media is protected under United States and International Law. Copyright 2004, Daniel Reck and forzandoArts. It may not be distributed by any means without the written permission of Daniel Reck.